Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal during the meeting of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Vikas Board at his official residence at Chandigarh on Friday
Chandigarh, March 29, 2013: In a bid to perpetuate the rich legacy of Bhagwan Vailmiki Maharaj, the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal today approved the construction plan of the state-of-the art Temple, Museum and Panorama in Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) near Amritsar at a cost of Rs 115 crore.
A decision to this effect was taken by the Chief Minister in a meeting with the members of Bhagwan Valmiki Tirath Vikas Board constituted for the development of Sri Valmki Ashram (Ram Tirath) under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike.
Paying reverence to the great spiritual ambassador who propagated the concept of egalitarian society by composing the legendary epic ‘Ramyana’, the Chief Minister said that it was a matter of great pride and honor for the state government to offer humble tributes to Bhagwan Vailmki Maharaj Ji by developing this site for the devotees visiting this sacred place from every nook and corner of the world. It may be recalled that Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj Ji resided and composed his masterpiece ‘Ramayana’ at this sacred place. He said that realizing the paramount significance and sanctity of this historic place the state government has made concerted efforts to develop it adding that so far Rs 20 crores has been spent for its beautification. However Badal pointed out that new Temple which would be constructed at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) would be an engineering marvel spruced with rare architecture, landscaping besides aesthetically designed.
The Chief Minister categorically said that this Temple would be unique in the sense that it would not only help in disseminating the philosophy of Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj for carving out a harmonious society in the state but it would also act as a lighthouse to guide the destiny of our youth through the great ethical and moral values preached by him. He said that the museum and the panorama to be constructed at Sri Valmiki Ashram would showcase the teachings of Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj which emphasised equality in the society alongwith the Principles of what an ideal man, ideal ruler and ideal people should follow for the formation of an ideal state or society. This temple would be a befitting tribute to Bhagwan Valmiki Maharaj, who was the “Pitaamah” of Sanskrit language and first poet or the Adi Kavi of the world who by his immortal and masterpiece composition the “Ramayana” propagated the message of victory of good over evil, added Badal.
The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was fully committed to undertake renovation and beautification of this sacred place from its historical and religious perspective adding that the work on this ambitious project would be commenced soon and was likely to be completed within two years. He further said that the work would be executed in a phased manner and during the first phase the construction of Temple and Multi Storey Bus/car parking would be undertaken followed by construction of Langar Hall, Sangat Hall and Museum in the second, third and fourth phase respectively. Mr Badal also asked the Deputy Commissioner of Amritsar Mr Rajat Aggarwal who also participated in the meeting to ensure that timely commissioning of this prestigious project.
Expressing gratitude to the Chief Minister for making all out efforts to ensure unprecedented development of this historical and sacred place, Speaker of Punjab Assembly Dr Charanjeet Singh Atwal and Cabinet Minister Gulzar Singh Ranike said that with the approval of this project Ram Tirath, which was the sacred place of all the religions and communities, would emerge as a prominent religious destination on the world religious tourism map. They also said that community would be ever indebted to the Chief Minister for showing the magnanimity to ensure overall development and beautification at Sri Valmiki Ashram (Ram Tirath) in view of the religious sentiments of the community.
Prominent amongst those present on the occasion included Vice Chairman of Board Mr Hans Raj Hans, Members Vijay Danav, Mr Lakshman Dravid, Naresh Dhingan, Om Parkash Gabbar, Randeep Gill, DP Khosla, Karnail Singh Sahota and others.